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The U.S. Tour Operators' Association discovers destination India

Mumbai, April 4 IBNS | 11 months ago

After aggressive bidding by the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and the Government of India, the U.S. Tour Operators' Association (USTOA) finally returned to India after 15 long years for its annual Out of Country meeting.

Since this was an industry-wide event, the core objective was to showcase destination India to all the USA Tour Operators.

The Taj Group co-hosted a grand silver-service sit-down dinner with a unique, especially crafted menu at Taj Palace, Delhi. In addition to the USTOA members and key Indian Travel Trade, the evening also saw Parvez Dewan - Secretary of Tourism, in attendance.

The Jaipur leg of the 3-city meet was hosted at the magnificent Rambagh Palace, where the group was received with a spectacular traditional welcome complete with liveried royal horses and elephants with their trunks raised in grand salute.

A reception of Rajasthani folk dance performances, a rose petal shower, garlands and the customary tikka ceremony gave the group a true sense of Taj's unmatched Indian hospitality.

Jai Mahal Palace too, hosted an exquisite and unique evening for the USTOA team. The event showcased a spectacular Elephant Polo performance followed by dinner, which was attended by Maharaja Jai Singhji and Rani Vidya Devi.

Established in 1972, the USTOA consists of some of the important names in American travel and tourism and accounts for a sizeable portion of the tour operator market in North America.

Some of the most important FTOs in USA, like Abercrombie and Kent, Tauck, TRAVCOA, Cox and Kings, Colette Vacations and World Strides are members of this organisation and it forms the largest influencing factor for the US tourism industry. With ongoing public relations and consumer awareness campaigns, the USTOA educates the travelling public about the benefits of packaged vacations and also helps destinations and travel entities build tourism by organizing workshops, product development trips and meetings.